Need an Incentive To Do Your Spring Cleaning?

Need an Incentive To Do Your Spring Cleaning?

HopeLine (SM) Helps Put Technology "Trash" to Good Use

April 11, 2002

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BEDMINSTER, NJ

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In the annual ritual of spring cleaning, what do you do with the old wireless phone collecting dust in the drawer? Most people don't want to throw the phone away - either because it could still be put to good use or because they want an eco-friendly solution. The answer is as close as the nearest Verizon Wireless Communications Store.

Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program collects no-longer-used wireless phones, in any condition, to benefit domestic violence survivors across the country. The phones are refurbished or recycled in an environmentally sound way and sold, with proceeds used to purchase wireless handsets for victims of domestic violence and for donations to non-profit domestic violence advocacy organizations.

Customers of any wireless carrier can donate phones at any of the more than 1,200 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country.

The company's HopeLine program was created in 1995 to put wireless products and services to work to combat domestic violence. Last year alone, the company donated more than 4,000 phones and $500,000 to this cause.

"Spring cleaning is a chore that few people look forward to, but getting involved with the HopeLine program is an easy way to give back to the community as you clean your home," said Denny Strigl, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. "Springtime is about new beginnings, and it is our hope that donations made to HopeLine will help domestic violence victims create their own. Remember that even if you can no longer use an old wireless phone it could be someone else's lifeline."

Wireless phones and equipment donations are tax deductible and can be sent to:

HopeLine Program

c/o Verizon Wireless

1776 East Ellsworth Road

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

For more information about HopeLine, customers can call 1-800-426-2790 between the hours of 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM EDT Monday through Saturday, and between 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM EDT on Sunday. Customers can also visit the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications and Internet services. The company has the largest nationwide wireless network and 29 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Reporters and editors can find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com .